MP & Silva scores major deal with Malaysian FA

The MP & Silva agency has agreed a 15-year deal with the Football Association of Malaysia to act as its global advisor for all media and commercial rights relating to a number of club competitions.

The deal begins in 2016 and comprises worldwide media rights covering the Malaysia Super League, the Malaysia Premier League, the FA Cup, the Malaysia Cup, and the Piala Sumbangsih Match.

The agreement covers domestic and international rights, including all media platforms and devices such as terrestrial free-to-air television, satellite and cable television, internet protocol television, in-flight television, mobile internet and video-on-demand.

The partnership also sees the establishment of the Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership between MP & Silva and the FAM. MP & Silva’s advisory role will aim to develop and implement media distribution and commercial strategies in relation to sales of media rights in close collaboration with the FAM under their authority, in addition to production and technical services to develop offerings with high-production values.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Malaysian newspaper the Star said the contract guarantees the FAM RM1.26bn (€290m/$360m) over the 15-year term.

Andrea Radrizzani, founding partner of MP & Silva, said: “We are delighted to have secured this long-term agreement with the FAM, and this would be the biggest deal for a local league ever done in Asia and highlights the FAM’s dedication towards professionalising the league.”

FAM president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah added: “This marks a new era for FAM and we are very excited by the prospect of this new partnership that can only benefit Malaysian football in the long run. MP & Silva brings a high-level of professionalism, expertise and international experience that instantly elevates our organisation and we look forward to seeing this partnership benefit our leagues and competitions.”